who listens to music while commuting?
02-11-09, 09:51 PM
#76
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Actually, I frequently send a PM to a subscriber or the orginal poster to whom I'm replying on the Forums, whether I think my post is witty or not. Some people have replied back and even thanked me for the "heads up."
02-11-09, 09:54 PM
#77
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,570
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
To each their own, i prefer enjoyable music mixed into the background over just traffic noise 
If i was out in the country perhaps id prefer no music like yourself 
Just as a side note, the times I've found myself zoned out the most and riding on autopilot, were times when I was deep in thought trying to figure out a problem at work/home while on the bike. My hour commute is always my best 'alone' time for thinking out issues without telephones or people interrupting me. With music i rarely zone out to that extent.
If i was out in the country perhaps id prefer no music like yourself Just as a side note, the times I've found myself zoned out the most and riding on autopilot, were times when I was deep in thought trying to figure out a problem at work/home while on the bike. My hour commute is always my best 'alone' time for thinking out issues without telephones or people interrupting me. With music i rarely zone out to that extent.
02-12-09, 03:57 AM
#78
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: West Central FL
Posts: 381
Bikes: Specialized, Felt, Surly, Masi,Giant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am content to ride without music I find it distracting, besides I don't think it's a safe thing to do but to each his own if you feel safe and it keeps you riding, go for it.
Last edited by 12bar; 02-14-09 at 10:56 AM.
02-12-09, 11:36 AM
#79
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Not everyone is affected the same. I ride with music and closed-style headphones all the time (90% of the time in city traffic) and notice a negligible reduction in awareness at most. That is to say that it's practically insignificant; there's no way I'm going to deny that hearing is potentially impeded, but is it any worse than wind noise at 25 km/hr? Considering that my headphones reduce wind noise considerably, I'm inclined to say that it isn't.
Psychological distraction is a separate factor, and also unique to the individual. My judgement, sense of my surroundings and my reflexes seem just as good with music as with road and wind noise. On the other hand, I'm incapable of conversing while driving a car (with a passenger, phones are out of the question) without being distracted to the point of doing something stupid. I've missed turns because of talking while driving, and in parking lots I've come close to hitting walls and parked cars for the same reason. When I keep my mouth shut I'm a pretty safe driver, although I'm happy to have quit driving regardless.
Of course, no one seems to have a problem with playing music (no matter how loud) in a car with the windows closed and road and engine noise blocking out anything quieter than a horn or a siren. I doubt anyone here is going to argue that drivers ought to be held to any lesser standards of situational awareness.
Psychological distraction is a separate factor, and also unique to the individual. My judgement, sense of my surroundings and my reflexes seem just as good with music as with road and wind noise. On the other hand, I'm incapable of conversing while driving a car (with a passenger, phones are out of the question) without being distracted to the point of doing something stupid. I've missed turns because of talking while driving, and in parking lots I've come close to hitting walls and parked cars for the same reason. When I keep my mouth shut I'm a pretty safe driver, although I'm happy to have quit driving regardless.
Of course, no one seems to have a problem with playing music (no matter how loud) in a car with the windows closed and road and engine noise blocking out anything quieter than a horn or a siren. I doubt anyone here is going to argue that drivers ought to be held to any lesser standards of situational awareness.
02-12-09, 12:55 PM
#80
Fred Wannabe
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Sandy, UT
Posts: 201
Bikes: 2008 Rocky Mountain - Sherpa 30 ** 1990 Diamondback - Apex ** 199? Fixed Gear Frankenbike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just wish I could find something that would block out the sound of a PowerStroke Diesel at stop lights and the sound of 35" Mud tires blowing past me at 45 mph...
02-12-09, 02:02 PM
#81
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Victoria, BC-Canada
Posts: 113
Bikes: Specialized TriCross Comp
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I find it interesting that so many of you listen to music. Very dangerous imo but thats just me I guess.
02-13-09, 12:17 AM
#82
Frame Catastrophizer
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Suburban Chicago
Posts: 450
Bikes: Surly Instigator
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use on-ear headphones to listen to music or ebooks just loud enough to be heard
over ambient sound. At 5:15am on a residential street its a pretty damn low volume level.
By the time i reach a section of 8-lane highway the traffic is so noisy I cant even tell i have
anything playing unless i turn it up. If i actually turned it up enough to not hear approaching traffic it
would be painfully loud. On super windy days the air whipping over my goggles and balaklava
drowns out the traffic and makes music unlistenable for me.
over ambient sound. At 5:15am on a residential street its a pretty damn low volume level.
By the time i reach a section of 8-lane highway the traffic is so noisy I cant even tell i have
anything playing unless i turn it up. If i actually turned it up enough to not hear approaching traffic it
would be painfully loud. On super windy days the air whipping over my goggles and balaklava
drowns out the traffic and makes music unlistenable for me.
02-13-09, 01:39 AM
#83
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I'd say it's negligible compared to the slight loss in peripheral vision I get while wearing my balaclava and goggles for the winter, or even just riding at all in a canadian winter. Having said that, I've given up music for the winter (except very late at night when there are so few cars on the road I can keep tabs on all of them by looking around) as the combination is a little beyond my threshold of caution.
02-13-09, 08:17 AM
#84
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,843
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
What I want to know is if anyone has practical experience with that iRide the OP started this thread with.
I don't want to wear any headphones/earbuds. The wire(s)'s annoying.
I'm back in school and the commute (when I finally start) will rob me of precious study time of an already stretched too thin schedule. I would be nice if I could listen to the lectures (again) on the days that I know that there will be a quiz. Also, I can get my books in a text to speech format, which should help.
I don't want to wear any headphones/earbuds. The wire(s)'s annoying.
I'm back in school and the commute (when I finally start) will rob me of precious study time of an already stretched too thin schedule. I would be nice if I could listen to the lectures (again) on the days that I know that there will be a quiz. Also, I can get my books in a text to speech format, which should help.
__________________
Community guidelines
Community guidelines
02-13-09, 08:37 AM
#85
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Beautiful Boise, Idaho
Posts: 191
Bikes: 2000 GT Outpost Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Interesting that nobody has posted that when radios were first added to cars the common opinion of the day was that it would distract drivers too much and traffic accidents would increase dramatically. The result: no change in rate of accidents.
If a person feels music would distract them, fine. However, I don't think there's anything to that argument. I have ridden with and without music, and I'm equally aware both ways. I enjoy the ride a little more with music though.
If a person feels music would distract them, fine. However, I don't think there's anything to that argument. I have ridden with and without music, and I'm equally aware both ways. I enjoy the ride a little more with music though.
02-13-09, 08:56 AM
#87
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago
Posts: 170
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Interesting that nobody has posted that when radios were first added to cars the common opinion of the day was that it would distract drivers too much and traffic accidents would increase dramatically. The result: no change in rate of accidents.
If a person feels music would distract them, fine. However, I don't think there's anything to that argument. I have ridden with and without music, and I'm equally aware both ways. I enjoy the ride a little more with music though.
If a person feels music would distract them, fine. However, I don't think there's anything to that argument. I have ridden with and without music, and I'm equally aware both ways. I enjoy the ride a little more with music though.
02-13-09, 09:18 AM
#89
LIVE YOUR LIFE!
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Port Orange, FL
Posts: 4
Bikes: Bianchi Nirone
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have not yet to begin the journey of riding and music, but it will be soon. Prob goin to do the right ear bud so i can hear traffic. Plus my zune has resently been stolen so i am still contemplating on another zune or ipod nano. 
02-13-09, 09:54 AM
#90
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Interesting that nobody has posted that when radios were first added to cars the common opinion of the day was that it would distract drivers too much and traffic accidents would increase dramatically. The result: no change in rate of accidents.
If a person feels music would distract them, fine. However, I don't think there's anything to that argument. I have ridden with and without music, and I'm equally aware both ways. I enjoy the ride a little more with music though.
If a person feels music would distract them, fine. However, I don't think there's anything to that argument. I have ridden with and without music, and I'm equally aware both ways. I enjoy the ride a little more with music though.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
02-13-09, 10:04 AM
#91
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
and replies:
Quite freaking true (polite version), presumably in agreement that the opinon of johan's is just that, of Johan only, implying to me, disagreement with Johan's opinion.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 02-13-09 at 10:45 AM.
02-13-09, 11:00 AM
#92
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 798
Bikes: Jamis Coda
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
What I want to know is if anyone has practical experience with that iRide the OP started this thread with.
I don't want to wear any headphones/earbuds. The wire(s)'s annoying.
I'm back in school and the commute (when I finally start) will rob me of precious study time of an already stretched too thin schedule. I would be nice if I could listen to the lectures (again) on the days that I know that there will be a quiz. Also, I can get my books in a text to speech format, which should help.
I don't want to wear any headphones/earbuds. The wire(s)'s annoying.
I'm back in school and the commute (when I finally start) will rob me of precious study time of an already stretched too thin schedule. I would be nice if I could listen to the lectures (again) on the days that I know that there will be a quiz. Also, I can get my books in a text to speech format, which should help.
02-13-09, 11:39 AM
#93
Senior Member
I always do but only while commuting on the MUP and not any other type of riding. I use an iPod shuffle. 80% of my usual commute is on a very wide open and low traffic commuter bike path. I ride fast and leave plenty of room for the occasional pass. For the 20% of the commute that is on streets I usually flip it off for safety sake.
02-13-09, 06:32 PM
#94
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 559
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Right before I step out in the rain, dark, snow storm I turn on my music and listen to Manhatten Transfer, James Brown A. Frankin and by the itme I get home I am ready to walk the dog, shovel the drive way, wash the floor etc. Doesn't everyone?
Gas, the price of a can of beans.
Gas, the price of a can of beans.
02-13-09, 06:55 PM
#95
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I cited the ignorance since most who are anti music make their claims based on the false assumption that adding music eliminates all other sounds. Or that adding music eliminates the ability to remain aware. They make these statements without ever doing it themselves and finding out its false.
There are also some who find riding hard and the addition of music truly would reduce their safety. For those folks, please keep away from earbuds, and preferably keep to mups and off the roads
I also call BS on the avoiding hundreds of accidents due to lack of music. I ride 15,000 km a year, most with music, and I dont have hundreds of close calls. Maybe you need to look at your riding ability if you have that many close calls? And you would have missed all of them if you listened to music?
I listen to music, can hear cars coming up behind me, can talk to other riders i pass, and still have my eyes to see and take in everything a non music listener can. How does adding music suddenly make a rider oblivious to whats around them?
If adding music makes you oblivious of your surroundings to the point of being unsafe, by all means leave them at home. But some of us are not plagued with your disability.
There are also some who find riding hard and the addition of music truly would reduce their safety. For those folks, please keep away from earbuds, and preferably keep to mups and off the roads
I also call BS on the avoiding hundreds of accidents due to lack of music. I ride 15,000 km a year, most with music, and I dont have hundreds of close calls. Maybe you need to look at your riding ability if you have that many close calls? And you would have missed all of them if you listened to music?
I listen to music, can hear cars coming up behind me, can talk to other riders i pass, and still have my eyes to see and take in everything a non music listener can. How does adding music suddenly make a rider oblivious to whats around them?
If adding music makes you oblivious of your surroundings to the point of being unsafe, by all means leave them at home. But some of us are not plagued with your disability.
Last edited by spofoman; 02-13-09 at 06:58 PM.
02-13-09, 08:20 PM
#97
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Nice job wishing ill on another cyclist though...you're a true white guy.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
02-13-09, 08:26 PM
#98
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
read the thread.
"If adding music makes you oblivious of your surroundings to the point of being unsafe, by all means leave them at home. But some of us are not plagued with your disability."
Comments like this directed at someone simply because they have different viewpoints do not belong here. Frankly i don't care if anyone wears headphones or not. You should feel free to express your views either way on the issue without someone being condescending and rude. I don't like the tone he gives off. He's a ****head. Someone needed to tell him.
Last edited by spofoman; 02-13-09 at 08:36 PM.
02-13-09, 08:34 PM
#99
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
02-13-09, 08:50 PM
#100
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
read the thread.
"If adding music makes you oblivious of your surroundings to the point of being unsafe, by all means leave them at home. But some of us are not plagued with your disability."
Comments like this directed at someone simply because they have different viewpoints do not belong here. Frankly i don't care if anyone wears headphones or not. You should feel free to express your views either way on the issue without someone being condescending and rude. I don't like the tone he gives off. He's a ****head. Someone needed to tell him.
"If adding music makes you oblivious of your surroundings to the point of being unsafe, by all means leave them at home. But some of us are not plagued with your disability."
Comments like this directed at someone simply because they have different viewpoints do not belong here. Frankly i don't care if anyone wears headphones or not. You should feel free to express your views either way on the issue without someone being condescending and rude. I don't like the tone he gives off. He's a ****head. Someone needed to tell him.
If you don't care if anyone wears headphone's or not then why did you bring up the legality along with your hope that he would be "mowed down without any notice?" More to the point, he was being considerably less of a "****head" than you are being now and, frankly, if you're that touchy I don't imagine how you can be around the internet for more than a few seconds without grinding your teeth right back down into the bone. In addition, his point was fairly valid.
Troll food: $0.02/sentence